In Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera, 19-year-old Latina lesbian Juliet Milagros Palante leaves her Bronx home for a summer internship in Portland, Oregon, with white feminist author Harlowe Brisbane, navigating self-discovery, queer culture, and intersectional feminism while grappling with familial tensions and romantic upheaval. The novel includes themes of racism and homophobia.

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera receives praise for its refreshing and vibrant narrative centering on a young queer Puerto Rican woman exploring identity and feminism. Critics commend its authentic voice and cultural richness. However, some note that its didacticism may overwhelm the story's flow. Overall, it's celebrated for its impactful representation and emotional depth.

Readers who enjoy Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera are typically drawn to diverse voices, LGBTQ+ themes, and coming-of-age stories. Fans of The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth and Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston will find Rivera’s novel equally compelling.

Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Contemplative / Bittersweet

- Juliet Takes a Breath was selected for the American Library Association's 2020 Amelia Bloomer List, which highlights exceptional feminist literature for young readers.
- The novel was inspired by Gabby Rivera's own experiences as a queer Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx, offering an authentic and personal perspective.
- Gabby Rivera wrote Juliet Takes a Breath during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a global event encouraging participants to write a novel in a month.

**Juliet Milagros Palante**  
The protagonist and narrator, a 19-year-old gay Latina, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-love during her internship with a feminist author.

**Harlowe Brisbane**  
A feminist author in Portland who serves as a mentor and introduces Juliet to new ideas, though her perspective on feminism is challenged throughout the story.

**Mother**  
Juliet's mother, who struggles with Juliet's sexual orientation but remains an important figure in her life, encouraging her writing and growth.

Gabby Rivera

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Juliet Takes a Breath Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Welcome to the Bronx”

Preface-Part 1

Juliet Takes a Breath Preface-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “You Have Now Arrived in Portland, Oregon”

Part 2 Juliet Takes a Breath Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Bienvenidos a Miami. The World is Yours”

Part 3 Juliet Takes a Breath Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Here We Go Again. Portland or Bust”

Part 4-Epilogue

Juliet Takes a Breath Part 4-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Juliet Takes a Breath Character Analysis

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Juliet Takes a Breath Symbols & Motifs

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Juliet Takes a Breath

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